Published 30/01/2012 by

The Oratory Prep School opened its doors and its collective heart to Bishop William Kenny, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, on his first ever visit on Friday 20th January.

Greeted by the Chaplain and Senior members of Staff, and pausing for a welcome cup of coffee, he went on to meet pupils from Year 3 upwards assembled in the Theatre where a presentation of souvenir gifts was made by Byron Langley on behalf of all the pupils. They then all enjoyed the Bishop explaining his role and the special items associated with his office (The ring; the mitre and the crozier).

A conducted tour of the whole school, from Reception right through to Year 8 followed where no “staged” events took place and he was able to see the pupils and their teachers in their usual Friday morning lessons. Only one slight concession to our honoured guest was made by Year 2 of the Pre-Prep who were discovered to be busy making paper mitres in one classroom, while next door the pupils were busy colouring and sticking jewels on to the finished product! The Bishop rather liked the plainer headgear while the Chaplain expressed his approval of the spontaneous choice of bling preferred by the pupils!

During lunch those at table with Bishop Kenny included pupils as well as members of staff and in the afternoon the Bishop celebrated Mass in the School Chapel for Years 7 & 8 and preached on text from a psalm: From all my terrors the Lord set me free. He wanted to assure the children that the text will prove both reliable and true.

Tea was taken by the Bishop with staff in the Common Room and just before his departure, with suitable gifts for a busy prelate of Church, there were photos at the front of school and official goodbyes from pupils representing the whole school. Altogether it was a memorable day for all and a clear indication of the strong ties of fidelity and charity that link The Oratory Prep School to the wider Church and community of the Diocese of Birmingham.

Antony Conlon

Chaplain to The Oratory Prep School